NOTICE OF DECISION

to Continue as a Comprehensive Study

Belleoram Crushed Granite Rock Quarry Project

OTTAWA - March 22, 2007 - The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, has determined that a comprehensive study process is the most appropriate level of environmental assessment for the proposed Belleoram Crushed Granite Rock Quarry Project in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Minister based his decision on the report and recommendations submitted by Transport Canada (TC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The report contains information on the scope of the proposed elements of the project; the factors to be considered in each department’s environmental assessment; public comments submitted to the responsible authorities; the potential of the project to cause adverse environmental effects; and the ability of the comprehensive study process to address issues relating to the elements of the project to be studied by the responsible authorities.

Two separate comprehensive studies, one by TC and DFO and another by ACOA, are being undertaken in a single cooperative process. These departments will continue with their own studies and submit a final joint report to the Minister of the Environment. Minister Baird would also like to welcome the input of Canadians, who will have the opportunity to formally comment on the findings and recommendations.